Description
Defiance College's chemistry emphasis in natural science major recognizes the central role chemistry plays in the understanding of the natural world. Chemistry is used in biology to explain the structure and function of molecules necessary for life such as proteins, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids and carbohydrates. Chemical kinetics and thermodynamics are used to trace metabolic pathways and energy flows during cell metabolism. Chemistry also has direct application to ecology and the environment. Atomic emission and absorption provides the bases for explaining such diverse effects as sun burning to greenhouse warming and sun induced weathering. In many different ways the energy flows in chemical systems can be applied to macro scale ecosystems to discover the fate of pollutants in the environment. In short chemistry is the central science that crosses the disciplines of biology, ecology, forensic science and medical technology. A Chemistry Emphasis in Natural Science major can be used in the fields of bacteriology, biology, pre-medicine, chemistry, conservation, ecology, and many more!

Sample Four-Year Course Plan

Analytical, organic and general chemistry all have a major laboratory component that prepare you to conduct experiments, interpret findings and analyze the results. In addition to this, every student does a senior research project based on an original proposal. Past projects have included: microwave coupling of macromolecules, degradation of DDT in soils, chemical induced decay of teeth and gun powder residue patterns to name a few. The newly renovated laboratories are equipped with new modern instrumentation including: Infrared Spectrometer, Gas Chromatograph, UV-vis Spectrophotometer, HPLC system and MARS Microwave. Small lab sizes make it possible for students to gain hands-on experience working with all of the instrumentation.

Quote
"The reason the adjustment from undergrad to graduate student was so easy for me was because of the breadth of experiences I had at Defiance College, namely within the chemistry lab. The various instruments and techniques taught at Defiance College allowed me to compete academically with students, national and international, with very strong and extensive chemical backgrounds from some of the finest institutions in the world."

-- Defiance grad in Chemistry Ph.D. program at University of Toledo

Professor:
Somnath Dutta